Druk Path Trek – Discover The Wonders Of Bhutan

On this page you will find a comprehensive and impartial guide to the Druk Path Trek in Bhutan.

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As this is a very long and detailed article on the Druk Path Trek, we recommend using the quicklinks below to navigate to the sections that interest you most. Alternatively, you can bookmark this page for future reference.

Route Overview

The amazing kingdom of Bhutan boasts some of the worlds most beautiful and breath taking treks. They range from the arduous Snowman Trek (which fewer people have completed than have ascended Everest) to the Druk Path Trek, a trek that offers a great introduction to hiking in Bhutan.

Regional Map

The Druk Path trek leads from Paro to Thimphu. The map shows the trekking regions in Bhutan. The Druk Path follows well trodden trails in the west of the country.

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Itinerary

As with most Bhutan Treks, the starting point of the 6-day Druk Path Trek is the gateway to the Happy Kingdom – Paro. This is mostly due to the fact that it’s home to one of the only airports in the country, unless you want to take a bus through India as there are no trains operating in Bhutan.

Click each day to read more...

Day 1: Paro to Jela Dzong

10KM | 4-5 HOURS | 1003M ASCENT | 10M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3480M

After what should be a spectacular flight (due to the views of the mountains you’re seeing), you should be heading out towards one of the most prominent and awe-inspiring building structures in Bhutan, a Dzong. These ancient buildings had many uses to the Bhutnanese. Some were places of worship, some housed important members of state and others were used in the defence of the kingdom.

Paro Dzong sits at 2300m and just below it is Ta Dzong, the Bhutnaese National Mueseum. Depending on the time of your departure, a quick tour of the muesem is a necessity in taking in the vast amounts of history within Bhutan.

After taking in all your history notes, an easy day of trekking lies ahead. Apples Orchards (don’t pick any!), outskirts of Damchena village and the wonderful serene pine forests of Bhutan are just some of the landmarks of the day. If you’re lucky with the weather – you might just be able to see Mt. Jomolhari.

Day 2: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

10KM | 4 HOURS | 300M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3780M

A ridgeline descent into rhododendrons and alpine forests is your start to the day. Yak herders roam these parts and a tip of the hat won’t go amiss. Views of Kitchu Drake and Jomolhari dot the sky during the day and by night a pasture against the hillside shall be your home

Day 3: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho Lake

11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | 300M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3880M

Whereas your first two days were spent in alpine splendor, the third day of the trek ushers you out onto the open plains of the Bhutnases countryside. Wild Onions laden the fields around you and if you’re lucky enough to have some Masterchefs on your group – most of these will turn up in your dinner. But first you’ll have to reach Jangchu La (3800m) with it’s panromaic views of the valleys below and the Himalayn Peaks and your desitnation for the day – Jimilangtsho Lake. There is a tale that farmers bring their cows to the lake in hopes to mate it with a mystical ox providing them with strong offspring.

Day 4: Jiminlangstho to Simkota

11KM | 4 HOURS | 270 ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4110M

Dawn greets you with more good trails, bypassing Lake Janetsho, and delivering epic views of the Himalaya’s. At 4,110m – Lake Simkotatsho rests serine below you and camp is setup on a nearby yak pasture overlooking the deep valleys of the Himalayas.

Day 5: Simkota to Thimpu City

14KM | 7 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | 1800M DESCENT

A long last day of trekking – starting with a small saddle climp at 4,150m then onto Phumela Pass (4210m) with it’s array of prayer flags and stone cairns set with a backdrop of Gangar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. Down below is Thimpu and several sacred peaks which are used for sky burials, an ancient funreal practice in which a human corpse is placed upon a mountaintop to slowly decompose while exposed to nature. Although sounding macarb, it is considered an act of generosity on the part of the deceased, since the deceased and her/his realtives are providing food to sustain living beings.

After that. All downhill. Descending through Juniper Trees via a small community at Phajodhing, you’ll finally reach the road at Sangaygang, where a car most likely will take you to Thimpu.

From Thimpu there are a variety of day trips (via vehciles) to other walks around the valley. But if you’ve had your fill of walking – you’re mostly likely going to make your way back to Paro.

Video Overview

Cool timelapse of shot at Jigmelang-tsho on the Druk Path trek! Video by Wanderers Travelust.

Guides

Like most treks in Bhutan, routes can be very intricate and even when they are not it’s still advised to join a guide or a tour in case of getting lost. Most amenities aren’t readily available as soon as you set out of Paro and if you compound this with injuries on the route, there is no question you should have company whilst attempting the trek.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Druk Path Trek cost?

Flights:

The main airport in Bhutan is Paro International Airport, and most flights into the kingdom land there. (PBH/VQPR).

Tours:

Being one of the shortest treks in Bhutan, prices for the Druk Path Trek are relatively low in comparison to some of the other more advanced and longer treks. Starting prices around $2500 to about $4000. The higher the price, the more luxuries en route.

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Are permits required for the Druk Path Trek?

There used to be lots of regulations with regards to tourists in Bhutan, but in the last couple of years this has eased up. Nowadays all you need is a visa – which are processed by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or a foreign travel agent, and cost around $40

When is the best time to complete the Druk Path Trek?

Bhutan has one of the highest rainfall statistics in the world and there will almost definitely be rain on one of the days of the trek. The months with the lowest rainfall seem to be from around June to mid October.

Is altitude sickness a risk?​

Yes. The Druk Path trek ascends to over 4,000m. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of the altitude risks involved with this trek. Please read our detailed section on altitude sickness and acclimatization.

How difficult is the Druk Path Trek?

The Druk Path Trek is not very taxing, but still requires you to be adequately prepared and fit for trekking. It’s also a necessity that you be prepared for high altitudes as a failure to do so could land in you hot water and having to call out the lone Bhutanese Mountain Helicopter to come pull you out.

What gear do I need?

Pack light and efficiently. This is your basic mantra when packing. Layers of clothing are essential and it’s best to source quick drying materials wherever possible.

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